Rapid shifts in digital technologies are changing the context for pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper focuses on 'digital public technology' (DPT), meaning digital assets that create a level playing field for broad access or use - by virtue of being publicly owned, publicly...

Increasingly, the use of technologies such as the internet, smartphones and social media is amplifying the power of local community action and knowledge. This brief addresses the need for policy change to overcome key barriers in this space.

This report considers who is best placed to implement and oversee a new era of tech regulation. The authors propose a Tech Policy and Regulation Coordination (TPRC) Model, in response to calls for political leadership, strengthened coordination, increased transparency, access to independent technical expertise, and...

This paper overviews structural reforms that promote the diffusion of digital technologies and investment in intangible capital that maximises the potential of these technologies in New Zealand.

This paper finds that, for the most part, Chinese companies’ leading position in technologies and market share has not translated into more influence at main standard-setting organisations, although it is an important complement to China’s efforts in this regard.

The UK Government’s Online Safety Bill has finally been published, almost three years since the initial Online Harms White Paper that began the debate about digital regulation in the United Kingdom. This document sets out recommendations to help inform the forthcoming Parliamentary process and, should...

This paper explores the definition of cyberbullying, in relation to traditional bullying and other forms of digital aggression. It also outlines the policy relevance of cyberbullying in OECD countries.

The divergence of the Western and Chinese technospheres is a critical driver of cybersecurity concerns requiring the attention of both governments and the private sector around the world. This report provides a set of recommendations for action to mitigate the growing cybersecurity risks posed by...

This report looks at the increasing use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps in government, and their associated risks and benefits. These apps are useful but need to be used carefully to ensure the downsides – including a lack of transparency, poor communication and poor...

This research debunks speculation that a major state-backed campaign was deployed to influence political discourse in Australia on social media. The research analysed more than 69,000 tweets, from two low-points in Australia-China relations in 2020, and found no evidence the CCP was using bots to...

The Australian government has committed to the reform of Australia’s electronic surveillance legislative framework. This paper aims to contribute to the debate by examining how firms that provide digital communications services can provide assistance to law enforcement, even as strong encryption is increasingly common.

This paper examines the impact of technology-facilitated violence on victim–survivors of intimate partner violence in regional, rural or remote areas of Australia who are socially or geographically isolated.

The Regional Telecommunications Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. The 2021 review examined the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and...

Young people in Australia have clear aspirations and views about the internet and online safety. This research highlights their recommendations and vision for the future. It outlines their expectations of eSafety and how we should engage with them about online issues. The findings will be...

This report includes summaries of the evidence received about the motivations for foreign interference, the forms that it can take, the elements of social media platforms and their usage that foreign interference attempts often seek to exploit, and the social and cultural features that foreign...

The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting a growing range of economic and social activity across national borders. This trend threatens to disadvantage Australia and requires policies to build up the country’s own technological capacities, while devising innovative ways to manage the risks entailed in...

This report analyses two Chinese state-linked networks seeking to influence discourse about Xinjiang across platforms including Twitter and YouTube. This activity targeted the Chinese-speaking diaspora, as well as international audiences, sharing content in a variety of languages.

Anthony Albanese says Australia has slipped to 59th in the world for average broadband speeds since the Coalition took office. Verdict: Mr Albanese's claim checks out.

Researchers sought feedback from more than 1,500 Australian consumers and more than 400 small business owners about their online needs and challenges. The research found that most consumers feel that the Internet has a positive impact on their lives. However, the research also found consumers...